Black Activist Group
Speaks Out on Legacy of Brown Desegregation Decision

In observance of the 50th anniversary
of the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark Brown v. Board of Education
school desegregation decision, members and staff of the Project
21 African-American leadership network are available for comment.
On Monday, May 17, Project 21 director David Almasi will be addressing
the Brown legacy on the CNNfn program "Market Call"
at approximately 9:50 am eastern. In addition, Almasi is the
author of the Brown-related essay "Providing Opportunity"
featured in the May 2004 issue of The World and I magazine.

"Brown brought opportunity,"
said Almasi in his essay. "By tearing down racial barriers
to education, the Supreme Court essentially leveled the playing
field for future generations... Black America has benefited greatly
from the legacy of the Brown decision, but it was simply a stepping
stone on a long journey."

Project 21, a leading voice within the
black community, has members and staff available for comment
on the anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education decision
as well as other issues affecting black America.

"The Supreme Court only opened the
door to the dream," said Project 21 member John Meredith,
the son of James Meredith - the man who integrated the University
of Mississippi in 1962. "It is up to each individual to
decide whether or not he will walk through that door... No matter
the cost of one's personal sacrifice in the short run, it is
worth it for every black person in America to walk through the
door."

Project 21 member Mychal Massie adds,
"Our ancestors died in slavery, dreaming of the day when
their descendents would be able to read, write and compete in
this country on a level with the best of white children. That
day has come, and far too many squander those opportunities."